are a sole trader, partnership, limited company or a not-for-profit business

are located or seeking to locate in Ashford, Canterbury, Dartford, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe, Gravesham, Maidstone, Medway, Sevenoaks, Swale, Thanet, Tonbridge and Malling, and Tunbridge Wells

are seeking a loan between £50,000 and £500,000

are creating or safeguarding jobs

currently have fewer than 250 employees

are developing or expanding products, services, or processes that will lead to new jobs, deliver business growth and improve productivity

can provide security or personal guarantees as required - when security is required it will need to be provided for at least a value equal to the loan capital and administrative charges over the term of the loan

for all loans between £50,000-£99,999, security or personal guarantees may be required on a discretionary basis

for all loans of £100,000 and over, security or personal guarantees will automatically be required

work in an eligible sector based upon the area’s key strengths and growth prospects:

artificial intelligence

creative and digital

engineering

food production and technology

innovation rural businesses

manufacturing and pharmaceuticals

Please note, applications from other sectors are also eligible, where they can demonstrate innovation, added value and sustainable job creation.

The following sectors are not eligible for a loan:

coal

defence sector activities

energy generation

fisheries and aquaculture, primary production of agricultural products, processing and marketing of agricultural products